COSTA RICA VACATION PACKAGES TRAVEL & TOURS TO COSTA RICA

Twenty minutes outside of San Jose you will cross the Continental Divide and enter Braulio Carrillo National Park. After a half hour trip through the park, the bus will reach our 1000 acre private reserve of virgin forest.

Open-sided vehicles shuttle passengers from our parking area to the Visitor's Center. The shuttle trip provides an introduction to the forest, as visitors pass a small river and numerous tree snags with nesting holes of various birds - the White Hawk is regularly seen here, as well as the Pale-billed Woodpecker and many others. A deeply rutted trail crosses the road where fresh tapir tracks tell of the animals' daily pilgrimages to find forage.

At the Visitor's Center we provide a quick briefing on canopy exploration and the construction of the tram. From this point, visitors divide into smaller groups for a 45 to 90 minute (optional) nature walk with one of our trained naturalist guides. Our trails are well-groomed and provide an excellent introduction to the rain forest and a view from the forest floor of the canopy you will experience while on the tram.

Time now to board the Aerial Tram. the Open-sided cable-cars hold 5 passengers and a guide. Our guides are quite knowledgeable about flora and fauna. They'll point out orchids and different species of trees and are quick to identify the calls of the many birds that inhabit this unique environment.

The tram ride lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. The lower, outbound leg of the tram journey takes you skimming over hilltops and in and out of the sub-canopy, a dark world of overburdened tree limbs dripping with mosses, ferns, and orchids. Lianas and vines drape over branches and traverse forest spaces, and act as highways for birds and insects. The ride will stop several times as passengers board at either loading station.

The return leg of the ride reveals the most dramatic portion of the trip as the cars glide on a breath-taking journey through and above the airy canopy.

Upon returning to the boarding station, you may wish to stop for a snack or coffee at the refreshment area. Shuttles back to the parking area leave at frequent intervals.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram

Departures You can choose the morning tour or the afternoon tour. The morning tour will pick you up at your hotel (or near by) between 5:15 and 6:15 a.m. and returns by 1:00 p.m. The afternoon tour has pick-up times between 10:40 and 11:50 and returns by 7:00 p.m.

DuraFrequency Dailytion 6 hours

Facilities Restaurant, souvenir shop, and cafeteria

Recommended Light-weight, casual clothes, sneakers (or other comfortable rubber-sole shoes), rain gear (just in case), and camera

Includes all admission fees for the Rain Forest Aerial Tram, either breakfast or lunch, the Tram ride, 45 minute hike (optional), transportation to/from San Jose, transportation within the Park, and tax.